​In the year 2000, in a small town above Dharamshala, India, I studied Reiki. It was unquestionably the experience that began my adventure with energy work and other holistic modalities that I have learned and practised since. I am forever grateful to the time and skills I learned in those months. When you tune into the energy around you and within you, life changes. I love offering sessions and teaching Reiki courses because of the profound impact it had, and continues to have on my life.

Did you know that Reiki can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance overall well-being? In today's fast-paced world, many are seeking holistic approaches to healing, and Reiki stands out as a powerful practice for both physical and emotional recovery. This blog post will explore what Reiki is, how it works, its numerous benefits, and practical tips for incorporating it into your life. Whether you are new to energy healing or looking for ways to deepen your practice, this comprehensive guide will illuminate the transformative power of Reiki.

What is Reiki?
Reiki is a form of energy healing that originated in Japan in the early 20th century. The term translates to "spiritually guided life force energy," signifying its focus on channeling the energy that exists in all living things. At the core of Reiki is the belief that energy flows through our bodies, and when this energy becomes blocked, it can lead to physical, emotional, or spiritual distress.
Practitioners use gentle touch or a hands-off approach to harness this energy and facilitate healing. Reiki operates on the principle that by channeling positive energy to a client, it promotes their natural healing abilities, enabling them to restore balance and well-being.

The History of Reiki
Reiki was developed by Mikao Usui, who created the practice after years of studying ancient healing techniques. In 1922, Usui established the first Reiki healing clinic in Japan and began teaching others the principles of energy healing. Since its inception, Reiki has spread around the world, gaining popularity as a complementary therapy for various conditions, including anxiety, pain management, and emotional healing.

How Reiki Works
Reiki works on the basis that every person has a life force energy that flows within and around them. This energy influences our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. During a typical Reiki session, the practitioner focuses on the recipient's energy fields, identifying areas of blockage or imbalance.
Channeling Energy: The practitioner uses specific hand positions on or above the client’s body to channel energy. This energy activates the body’s natural healing processes, allowing it to mend itself.
Relaxation and Release: Clients often experience deep relaxation, which can lead to the release of stored physical or emotional tension. Reiki helps facilitate a state of calm that encourages holistic healing.
Mind-Body Connection: Reiki emphasizes the connection between the mind, body, and spirit. By addressing this connection, it encourages a more integrated approach to health.

Benefits of Reiki
The benefits of Reiki are numerous, affecting various aspects of well-being.
1. Stress Reduction
Reiki is widely recognized for its ability to reduce stress and promote a state of relaxation. Many individuals report feeling calmer and more centered after a session, which can lead to improved mental clarity and focus.
2. Pain Relief
Research has shown that Reiki can effectively reduce pain associated with chronic conditions and recovery from surgeries. Many patients have experienced a decrease in pain levels after receiving Reiki treatments.
3. Emotional Healing
Reiki helps individuals process emotional traumas, fears, and anxieties. By promoting a sense of security and comfort, clients often find it easier to navigate challenging emotions and improve their overall emotional health.
4. Spiritual Growth
Reiki can also foster spiritual connection and personal growth. Many practitioners have experienced heightened spiritual awareness and clarity, leading to a deeper understanding of their life’s purpose and direction.

Incorporating Reiki into Your Life
If you’re interested in experiencing the transformative power of Reiki, there are several steps you can take to integrate it into your life.
Seek a Certified Practitioner: Start by finding a qualified Reiki practitioner like me, Katherine, to experience a session. Make sure they have the necessary credentials and experience in the field. Session can be done in person or at a distance.
Learn Reiki Yourself: Consider taking a Reiki course to learn how to practice on yourself and others. I find great fulfillment in sharing this healing modality. I offer Reiki I, II, III and Master courses. Most courses are from 8 to 15 hours in duration.
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Conclusion
So, what are the next steps? If you are ready to embrace the power of Reiki, begin by seeking a session or signing up for a course. By opening yourself to this transformative energy, you can unlock your potential for healing and personal growth. Visit the treatment or course section to find a session or course today and take the first step in your healing journey. Remember, the journey to healing begins with a single step. Embrace the power of Reiki and inevitably change your life for the better.

​In search of the blind masseuse, we walked up and down the streets of Siem Reap in Cambodia. After the long drive from Phnom Penh, cramped in the back of a pick-up truck with thirty other people, our bodies were sore, stiff, and battered, in need of some tender care. 

Unable to read Cambodian signs and in a time before GPS, we walked, wandering aimlessly, hoping we might mysteriously find the man we were looking for. After repetitively walking up, down and in circles along the same street, we were ready to give up when a Cambodian man pulled up on his motorbike and asked if he could help us. Once again with our limited language skills, we tried to convey that we were searching for the blind masseuse we had heard about. 

He told us to hop onto his bike, and he would take us there. So, with the three of us on his motorcycle, off we went to find our “massage.” We stopped in front of a building with a red light outside. I was pretty sure this was NOT the place we had been told about. The man was so happy to have helped us and stood with a big smile as he opened the door. 

As we entered, we walked into a front room where rows of chairs held young women with numbers. We were asked to choose whom we wanted. My male friend made his choice and went off to do whatever they did. When the woman in charge spoke to me and asked whom I wanted, I told her I was looking for the best massager she had. She told me all of them were good at massage. Clearly, I should have been clearer on what part of my body I wanted to be massaged. 😊 

I refused to choose, feeling it was such a derogatory question as I was seeking a skilled masseuse, nothing more. After my insistence she assigned me a young woman who led me up the brothel stairs. Showers were running, naked women were chatting through open and closed doors, and I was led into a room. The lights were turned on, and a ceiling fan whirled overhead.

She sat next to me on the bed and asked what I wanted.

“A back massage,” I said. She began percussion movements on my back for about five minutes and then asked, “Anything else?”

“Nope,” I replied, feeling quite awkward—probably because I was entirely out of my depth in this unfamiliar situation. She asked for her $5 payment, and we headed back downstairs.

I didn’t ask how my friend’s “massage” went, but I have a sneaky suspicion it was quite different from mine.
 
As a side note: Before leaving for Asia, I was working with a safe house dedicated to protecting children working in prostitution. This experience was one of those eye-opening moments I never could have expected in a foreign country—and definitely one I won’t forget anytime soon.

So, why am I telling you this story?
Because, when looking for a massage, or any therapist it is essential to trust your instincts and don’t settle for just “anyone.” The right fit makes all the difference in your healing journey.

                         Choosing the Right Therapist: Why Energy, Connection, and Intuition Matter
 
Massage is offered almost everywhere these days — in spas, clinics, gyms, airports, resorts, shopping centers, and holistic spaces like The Holistic Cottage. But while massage may be available everywhere, not all massage experiences are created equal.

What makes one massage deeply healing and another simply… okay, or even awful?

It often comes down to something less visible but deeply felt: connection, energy, and alignment between you and your therapist.

More Than Just Technique
Massage therapy is as much about who is giving the massage as it is about how they do it. Every therapist brings a unique energy, presence, and approach to the table. While skills and credentials are essential, the most transformative sessions happen when there's something more — when you feel safe, seen, and understood. Remember that just because someone has a piece of paper that says they passed all their exams, does NOT mean they know how to touch someone.
 
Healing happens most naturally when clients feel energetically aligned with their therapist. This isn’t something that can be forced. It’s felt through subtle things: the tone of their voice, the way they hold space, the intuitiveness of their touch, or even just how you feel in their presence.
 
Trust What You Feel
In a world that often asks us to override our inner knowing, we invite you to do the opposite. Whether you’re at The Holistic Cottage or visiting a wellness center on the other side of the world, trust your intuition. It knows what — and who — is right for you.
 
If you walk into a massage space and something feels off, honor that. If you meet a therapist and feel an immediate sense of ease or familiarity, pay attention to that too. Healing isn't transactional — it's relational. It's okay to be selective.
 
Some signs you’re with the right therapist:
You feel relaxed and grounded in their presence.
You don’t feel rushed, judged, or “talked at.”
Their touch feels attuned — like they’re listening with their hands.
You leave feeling more connected to yourself, not just physically better.
 
Massage Is Everywhere, But Energy Isn’t Equal
You can receive a massage at a luxurious resort and leave feeling untouched, or walk into a humble cottage and leave feeling completely renewed. Why? Because intention, presence, and alignment matter more than location or price tag.
 
Some places treat massage as a quick service or add-on. Others, like The Holistic Cottage, treat it as sacred space — a moment for you to come home to your body, your breath, and your being.
 
Finding Your Right Fit
We know it can be overwhelming to choose a therapist — especially with so many options available. Here are a few gentle suggestions:
 
Read therapist bios, and notice who you feel drawn to.
Ask questions — don’t be afraid to reach out before booking.
What does the space you are being treated in feel like?
Does you therapist talk to you and listen to your needs?
Check in with your body after a session: Do you feel lighter, clearer, softer?
Allow yourself to try different people until you find a connection that feels genuine.
 
And remember: it's not personal if a certain therapist isn't the right fit for you. Just like in any relationship, resonance matters.
 
The Heart of The Holistic Cottage
At The Holistic Cottage, we offer a range of treatments, each rooted in heart-centered care. We hold space not just for your body, but for your whole self. If you’re unsure if massage, Creative Energy Work, Reiki, Kinesiology or Foot Reflexology would best meet your needs.

One of the beautiful aspects of holistic therapies is their adaptability to your mood, needs, and personal preferences. You might feel the urge for a soothing Reiki session on a stressful day, or you might crave a more hands-on kinesiology treatment if you’ve been dealing with physical tension. Your body and energy levels shift, and so do your therapy needs. Every session begins with a conversation to discover what you feel most aligned with in that moment.

Because healing is never one-size-fits-all — and your body already knows what it needs. All you have to do is listen.
You deserve to feel held, heard, and encouraged to tune into your own powerful healing energy and ability.
Wherever you are, trust your intuition — it’s leading you home.
 
Interested in booking at The Holistic Cottage?
Come by, email me or send me a WhatsApp message to schedule your session.